A little work with the tubing bender!

[Hankl]

As you guys recall, I had a conversation with both NASA & SCCA Tech Officials regarding the latest changes to the 2011 CCR's. I decide to change
the side intrusion bars to a "NASCAR" bar configuration. Here's what I did the last couple of days.

Setting up the first bar path.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/Frame%20Mods/IMG_1207.jpg

Getting the bends right to provide room for the tire, and protect the back end of the driver! That square tubing was part of the "old" configuration.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/Frame%20Mods/IMG_1208.jpg

Top bar mock-up to check path around tire, Perfect!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/Frame%20Mods/IMG_1212.jpg

The complet system mocked-up. You"ll notice the small added 2"x 2" square tubing under the first upright, I needed to angle the front of the tube
outward to maximize the welding area on the bulkhead upright. So the bars angle inward from the front to the rear, but it ended up giving me
a smoother transition inside the cockpit.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/Frame%20Mods/IMG_1209.jpg

The passenger side is the mirror image, and the tubes are already bent, and the uprights cut and set to go. Just need a day to get everything final fitted,
and then start welding. It was a lot of work, but I think the benefits are well worth it.

Hank :cool:

[Russ Thompson]

Impressive as usual Hank, nice job and certainly a lot of work.

[John Dol]

Nice work Hank, it's no wonder your Coupe's not done yet! LOL
Does this clear the body everywhere. I remember, I think it was Brian Palmer that had some issues with that later on. Or are you just modifying that as with everything else:D

John

[riptide motorsport]

That looks incredibly secure.

[Hankl]

John,

It clears everything right now, but I'll have to change the bar that comes down from the back hoop, and have it intersect with the top of the NASCAR bar, but it looks like it will just require a bit of cutting on the inner fiberglass that's part of the inner fenderwell.

This is the drivers side with the original frame with the door post mount. Not much there to stop a tire from entering the cockpit from the rear.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/Frame%20Mods/IMG_0678.jpg


Here's what the passengers side looked like, after adding the hoop to intrusion(old) bar.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/hankl_album/Frame%20Mods/108-0829_IMG.jpg

This is how Don did the mods to his Coupe.

http://cobrasite1.home.comcast.net/~cobrasite1/html/db_DSCN12911.jpg

Hank :cool:

[John Card]

Is there anything left of the stock frame in there?? Jeez... You're worse than me.... :)

[Hankl]

John,

According to Russ Foster, another Coupe builder here in the Santa Cruz area, only the 4" main tubes are still there, But I'm going to mess with one of them soon!

Hank :cool:

[turbodon]

I cannot weight for the car to be finished so we can hear the total weight. :)

It is better to be safe than sorry. Now hurry up and get that car done. Mine will be worn out at this pace.

[Hankl]

Don,

What does your Coupe weigh in at?

Hank

[turbodon]

2850 with 22 gal fuel cell full of fuel. Billet rims heavy as well. Double insulation and carpet.